The Gainesville Haymarket Youth Football League (GHFYL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a character building program for both boys and girls of the area through fundamental instructions associated with youth tackle football.

On July 1, 2011, the state of Virginia brought into law the Student Athlete Protection Act, an awareness act providing guidelines and procedures regarding identification and handling of suspect concussions. Though this law is directed to middle and high schools, the Gainesville-Haymarket Youth Football League is committed to the safety of our football players and cheerleaders, and we are posting this information to educate athletes, parents, and coaches.

GUIDE FOR ATHLETES

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a brain injury that:

Is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body.

Can change the way your brain normally works.

Can occur during practices or games in any sport or recreational activity.

Can happen even if you have not had a loss of consciousness.

Can be serious even if you have just been "dinged" or "had your bell rung."

ALL CONCUSSION ARE SERIOUS.

A concussion can affect your ability to do schoolwork and other activities.

Most people with a concussion get better but it is important to give your brain time to heal.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?

A headache "pressure" in head.

Nausea or vomiting.

Balance problems or dizziness.

Double or blurry vision.

Bothered by light or noise.

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.

Difficulty paying attention.

Memory problems.

Confusion.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A CONCUSSION?

Tell your coach and your parents.

Have a health care professional evaluate your symptoms.

Give yourself time to get better. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes for you to recover and may cuase more damage to your brain.

HOW CAN I PREVENT A CONCUSSION?

Every sport is different but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Use proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment. In order for your equipment to protect you, it must be:

The right equipment for the game, position or activity.

Worn correctly and the correct size.

Used every time you play or practice.

Even with properly fitted equipment, concussions can still occur.â€‹

Follow your coach's rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

Practice good sportsmanship at all times.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A CONCUSSION:
DON'T HIDE IT ~ REPORT IT ~ TAKE TIME TO RECOVER!
IT'S BETTER TO MISS ONE GAME THAN THE WHOLE SEASON

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK A FRIEND/TEAMMATE HAS A CONCUSSION?

Tell your coach and/or your parents.

Stepping up for your friend could save their life.

GUIDE FOR PARENTS

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a brain injury which results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. An athlete does not have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.